BLACK GRAPES; Uncorking diversity in the world of wine

SIMONE J. SMITH

The ambiance is sophisticated, with attendees sipping wine and engaging in lively conversations. However, there is a noticeable lack of diversity in the crowd. Ever notice something missing at wine events? A vibrant tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, perhaps?

There is one woman who is determined to break the stereotype. For too long, the world of wine has been perceived as an exclusive club, where diversity is often an afterthought. Wine is for everyone. From the rich stories behind each bottle to the diverse palates waiting to be explored, the world of wine should reflect the richness of humanity.

It was not long ago when the topic of Black winemakers was ultimately unheard of. The statistics on the shockingly low number of winery licenses given to people of colour would give you pause, especially when looked at as a share of population. Of course, the topic of land ownership and its divide has made it very difficult for people of colour to own vineyard-sized plots of land in attractive grape growing regions around the world. Despite this, the concept of the ‘Black winemaker’ as a rarity is starting to change.

The Spice Food and Wine Group presents BLACK GRAPES, a Black History Month Celebration. Spice Food and Wine Group (SFWG) is a food and beverage entertainment company, owned and operated by WineHobbyist Inc., a registered Canadian incorporation. SFWG runs two themed ethnic food and wine pairing brands: ‘Spring Into Spice,’ and ‘Fall Into Spice.’ The SFWG series gives everyone a chance to build their own narrative around wine, and more specifically, wine and their national dishes regardless of background and race. We dispel the myth that wine cannot be paired with many ethnic foods due to food preparation and cooking methodology.

BLACK GRAPES was an evening of celebrating Black winemakers and agents from around the world. The event aimed to shine a spotlight on the significant contributions of Black individuals to the world of wine, while also providing a platform for young, up-and-coming Black artists to showcase their talents. In wine, the term ‘black grapes’ is used to describe the grapes that go into making red wine. On February 21^st, however, they used the term to celebrate wines with contributions made by the Black community to celebrate Black History Month.

It was an evening to taste wines from: Canada, the United States, South Africa, and more. The wines are curated by sommelier Beverly Crandon, and each came with a unique sense of style and delicious versatility. I had a chance to catch up with Beverly before the event, and she excitedly shared information about her upcoming event.

“Tell me a little bit about how this event came to be Beverly,” I inquired?

“It’s a funny story,” Beverly tells me. “This is our second year of doing this. The first year, someone came up to me and said, “Hey, we have some space, do you want to do something?”

“So, I was like, okay, how do I do this? All I know is wine and food. Apparently, that was enough, and our first installment of BLACK GRAPES was a hit. People didn’t want to leave. I was like, I am going to do this again. Last year we only had capacity for 200 people, and this year we have capacity for 350 people.”

“What’s more, you’ll get to sample snacks from the Caribbean and Western Africa while you taste wines.” Beverly then took the time to share with me some anecdotes about some of the winemakers. “Steve Byfield is the owner of the winery Nyarai Cellars (Niagara Peninsula). I often call Steve the ‘mix master’, not because of his DJ skills, but because of the incredible blends he comes up with, year after year.”

“Gynore Hendricks was born in Malmesbury, Swartland, South Africa, and is the owner of Great Heart Wines. While her path was not set in stone, like many, she got hit with the oenology bug that makes you curious about all things wine.”

“Finally, André Mack, owner at Maison Noir is a: sommelier, winemaker, author, and designer. In fact, his book 99 Bottles is one of my favourites.”

“I am excited to have the city come and indulge their senses and savour the finest expressions of viticulture as renowned wine companies gather at this exquisite event. We are inviting everyone on a journey through our exceptional vintages and have unique tasting experiences.”

The wine companies who participated in BLACK GRAPES this year were:

Nyarai Cellars, Black Winemaker,  Steve Byfield
Great Heart Wines, Black Winemaker, Gynore Hendricks
Maison Noir Wines, Black Winemaker, Andre Mack
Ken Forrester Wines, Black Winemaker, Shawn Mathyse
Wade Cellars, Black Winemaker/Owner, Dwyane Wade
C.H. Haughton Wines,  Black Importer, Elaine Morrison
Asslina Wines, Black Winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela
Intra Vino, Black Importer, Jerome Christie
Hang Time Wine, Black Importer, Stephen Thomas

There was also a vibrant array of African-inspired vendors at the event, showcasing a rich tapestry of culture, craftsmanship, and unique products. This year’s esteemed vendors included:

Trenedee Watson, live painter, and will have work for sale at the event
Gourmandee Tees, black owed, wine related t-shirts
Abibiman Project, black female chef, will be selling chocolates and other preserves
Afrifab Design, fabric artist, will be selling at the event

Let’s raise our glasses to inclusivity. It’s not just about the wine; it’s about sharing experiences, breaking barriers, and embracing diversity in every sip.